Award recognizes Outstanding CPAs in Government

The Institute’s Outstanding CPA in Government Impact Awards recognize CPAs working in federal, state, and local government who have contributed significantly to increased efficiency and effectiveness of government organizations and to the growth and enhancement of the CPA.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder received the state-level award. His “Relentless Positive Action” approach to solving problems has helped speed the state’s recovery from its recent financial difficulties.

Snyder became governor in 2011. Under his leadership, Michigan has eliminated its $1.5 billion structural deficit, produced three balanced budgets, increased its “rainy day” fund, and replaced the Michigan Business Tax with a corporate income tax that reduced the state tax burden on employers.

Kenneth L. Williams, an IRS territory manager for Indiana and Kentucky, received the federal-level award. He and his staff serve about 2,500 volunteers who annually prepare more than 200,000 free tax returns for low-income, elderly, disabled, military, and English-as-a-second-language individuals. His group also assists individuals and organizations through community tax education and earned income tax credit outreach, financial literacy, and asset-building efforts.

Melinda A. Hitz, finance director for Garden City, Kan., received the local-level award. After 12 years in public accounting, she became the first finance director for the city and helped elevate the finance department to rival those of larger municipalities. She is also the first person from the government sector to serve as chair of the Kansas Society of CPAs. She is in charge of preparing Garden City’s comprehensive annual financial report; preparing the city’s annual budget; and handling debt issues, credit rating, and utility billing and collection.